Buckle



March 28, 19139. P. W WHlTE 2,152,119

' BUCKLE Filed' sept. 50, 1957 Patented Mar. 28, 1939 2,152,119 BUCKLE Paul W. White, Waterbury, Conn., assignor to Parva Products Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application September 30, 1937, Serial No. 166,471

10 Claims.

This invention relates to a buckle and has special reference to a device adapted to be mounted on belts, straps, and the like, for the support of garments or other objects particularly on the person or for otherwise detachably securing articles together.v

More particularly, this invention relates to a slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames having side bars and cross bars lo connecting the side bars for defining openings therethrough to receive a strap with means on the frames for directing relative longitudinal movements thereof,V a cross bar on one of the frames having an underlying portion secured l5 thereto presenting a strap-engaging face inclined relative'to the path of movement of the frames and a cross bar on the other of the frames cooperating with the'inclined face of the first mentioned frame to clamp the strap threaded ,o therebetween in adjusted positions. Y The buckle of the present invention is adaptable for use with various types of objects particularly on the person and may be employed with slight variations not departing from the spirit of the invention, universally where detachable connections are desired to be made. VI-Iowever, in the drawing, and in the following description, the slide buckle is described and shown in its association with a belt, the belt being threaded between cooperating slidably engaged frames for adjustably clamping the belt relative thereto. It Will, of course, be readily apparent` that various other uses may be made and that this invention is not to be limited to the specic use herein described and illustrated.

Applicant contemplates the provision of a slide buckle formed of two slidably engaged sheet metal frames for the reception of the belt or` strap threaded therebetween, the frame members cooperating to grip efficiently and at the same 0 time to permit of a ready adjustment. The belt or strap is held positively against slipping after an initial application of ten-sion without the necessity of providing sharp projecting prongs or other like gripping members which mar or cut the material of the member gripped and is readily and conveniently drawn in either direction to adjust the same longitudinally therethrough with a maximum of ease. The sheet metal of the framesmay be formed of very thin material, the construction being so arranged as to give the maximum strength necessary for durability with a minimum weight of material.

, It is further contemplated in the present appli- 5A cation to provide one of the framesnwith aface designed to expose and removably hold one. or more letters which may combine to form a monogram or the initials of the wearer or to expose and hold an ornament, emblem, or the like. In

a preferred form, one of the cooperating frames 5 is provided with a depression in the face thereof for receiving an insert, at least the face thereof contrasting in color with the frame and being formed of resilient material, the size and shape of the insert being such asto lit in the depression. lThe frame is provided with apertures in opposed side Walls bounding the depression and the insert is provided with projections extending therefrom for engaging the apertures to prevent displacement of the insert from the depression.

One of the frames of the slide buckle is there-I fore provided with a cross bar of substantial width and the face thereof is depressed in a desiredconguration to receive an insert preferably of the same conguration and tting therein, an underlying portion of the cross bar secured thereto and presenting a strap-engaging face inclined relative to the path of movement of the frames. with `a preferably raised portion of a cross bar of the other of the cooperating frames to clamp The strap-engaging face cooperates the strap threaded therebetween in adjusted positions.v The underlying portion of the cross bar carrying the insert presents a substantially arcuate line of fold when viewed in cross section by reason of its preferably being formed integrally with thecross bar containing the recess and the arcuate line of fold provides a round edge over which the strap may be pulled with ease to obtain a pulley effect.

' One of the objects of this invention is to provide a buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames of the type hereinabove described Y in which a belt or strap threaded therethrough may be conveniently and easily adjusted in either direction.

A further object of this invention is to provide a slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames of the character indicated above in which the construction may be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, may be durable and simple in construction and simple in threading and manipulation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames of the type above referred to in which the face of one cross bar of one of the slidably engaged frames is designed to ,expose and removably hold an insert for containing an initial, emblem or the like. Y

Other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter be more particularly pointed out and for a more complete understanding of the characteristic features of this invention, reference may now be had to the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawing, in which latter:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the slide buckle embodied in this invention in its relation to a belt shown fragmentarily;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged central sectional view of the slide buckle taken on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1, showing one end of the belt threaded therethrough in dotted lines;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the slide buckle taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the slide buckle, the belt in this instance not being shown;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of one of the slide buckle frames and the insert removed therefrom;

Fig. 6 is a perspective View of a modied form of insert;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another modified form of insert; and

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of still another modified form of insert.

Referring now to the drawing and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive thereof, the construction therein shown comprises a, pair of frame members IIJ and II, the frame member I being preferably substantially rectangular in outline having side bars I2 and I3 connected by cross bars I4 and I5 forming a slot. Theframe II is likewise preferably substantially rectangular in outline having side bars I6 and Il connected by cross bars I8 and I9 forming a slot 20. The side bars and cross bars of the frame lll are preferably embossed or, as shown in the drawing, the periphery thereof is substantially channel-shaped throughout when viewed in cross section, a ledge Iilb being formed thereby.V This permits of the use of a minimum weight or gauge material to obtain a maximum rigidity and provides a desired heavy appearance with no sharp edges exposed. As shown more particularly in Fig. 4, V-cuts (not shown) are made in the material before the forming operation of the outer flange or ledge Illb into one of the legs of the channel, and after the channel is formed, a line contact of the edges bounding the V-groove in the ledge Ib is made as shown at A.

The cross bar I of the frame Iii is preferably of substantial width having an integrally formed underlying portion 2l presenting a belt or strapengaging face 2Ir inclined relative to the path of movement of the frames II! and II. The length of the strap-engaging face 2 Ia: is preferably very substantial and thus provides for the reception of straps or belts of varying thickness.

As above stated the frame I isprovided with a substantially channel-shaped periphery to form opposed channels Ia when viewed in cross section. These channels receive the side bars; IB and Il of the frame I I and guide the frame in a longitudinal movement in the direction of movement f of the strap converging with respect to the inclined belt or strap-engaging face 2Irc. In other words, the frame II moves in its channels over a relatively straight path to the inclined belt or strap-engaging face 2in: of the cross bar I so that a movement of the frame I I in one direction will bring the frame into wedge-like cooperation with the other frame.

The frame II has an intermediate portion 22 of the cross bar I9 raised above the plane of the frame and is preferably inclined in the direction of inclination of the belt or strap-engaging face Ela: of the cooperating cross bar I to provide a belt or strap-engaging face. The inclined belt or strap-engaging face 22 is preferably provided with grooves 22a, extending in the direction of the cross bar I9 to augment the normal frictional contact with the strap. By reason of the fact that the strap-engaging faces of the cooperating inclined belt or strap-engaging faces 2I and 22 of the cross bars I4 and I9 respectively are inclined and present a substantially wide face, the engagement thereof with the belt will produce no marring or cutting effect thereon. Further, the provision of a raised portion of this type reinforces and strengthens the frame II as a whole.

When it is desired tol clamp the belt in an adjusted position, a tension on the belt 23 provides a relative longitudinal movement of the frame members Il) and II in opposite: directions, the frame I0 being in a fixed position since it is fixedly attached to one end of the belt as. at the looped portion 23a and the other frame II having relative movement therewith since the belt is threaded through the belt-receiving slot 20 and is pulled in the direction of the inclined belt or strap-engaging face 2 Ix. The frame member'I I being directed in the path of movement of 4the frames, the belt will be urged against the inclined strap or belt-engaging face 2in: by the inclined belt or strap-engaging face 22 of the frame II. The greater the tension on a belt, the firmer the belt is clamped between the engaging faces of the movable frames. Thus a desired clamping action is had without sharpedges or teeth being employed.

The face of the cross bar III, which is preferably of arcuate cross section, is provided with a depression or recess 24 of any conguration desired. In the particular instance shown in the first five figures of the drawing, the depression is of elongated substantially rectangular shape. An insert 25 formed preferably of thin resilient material is received in the recess 24, the insert being ofV substantially the same size and shape as the depression. The frame is provided with apertures Z6 in opposed side walls bounding the depression 2, and the particular number of apertures depends entirely upon the movement of projections 2l extending from the insert 25. In

the figures now being described but a single projection is formed at each end of the insert centrally thereof and preferably integrally therewith. When it is desired to dispose the insert 25 in the depression or recess 24 in a manner to prevent displacement thereof, the insert is bent by reason of its being formed of resilient material and the projections 27 are disposed in alignment with the apertures 26 whereafter the insert is permitted to assume its original form and the projections are thus inserted into the apertures.

The insert 25 preferably has at least the face thereof of a contrasting color with the frame and, for example if the frame is of nickel chromium or silver the insert may be painted on the face with black or other contrastingly colored enamel or the like. It is, of course, to be understood that in the more expensive buckles the insert 25 may be formed of yellow gold to contrast with a silver buckle. It is also preferable to cut the initial, monogram or the like out of the material of the insert so that the contrasting color of the frame will show through the cut-away portion of the insert to make the initial, monogram or the like, prominent. The dealer is provided with a great secured to the buckle by merely flexing the insert and allowing the same to assume its original position after the projections are aligned with the apertures into which they fit.

Referring now to Fig. 8 of the drawing, an insert 25a of a modified shape is shown, in this instance the insert being substantially round with the desired letter cut therein. One or more projections 21a may be formed on diametrically opposed portions of the periphery of the insert. As in the previously described embodiment, the insert may be of relatively thin resilient material having the face thereof enameled a contrastingVr color to the material of the frame on which it is disposed orY it may be formed of a precious material which of itself is of a diiferent color than the material of the frame. The insert is fixed in the depression in the same manner as in the previously described embodiment by exing the same and aligning the apertures with the projections to permit thereafter the insert to assume its original shape.

Referring new to Fig. 6, an insert of the same type as that shown in Fig. 5 is illustrated with the exception that a pair of projections 21e extend from and are formed preferably integrally with the insert 25o. As in the previously described embodiments, this insert may be formed of a relatively thin resilient material coated or covered with enamel or like substances to provide a contrasting color to the buckle to which it is secured, the material of the frame of the buckle showing through the cut-away portion of the insert forming the desired letter or other character.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, the insert 25h merely acts as a frame for the letters, emblems, or other characters desired to be displaced.r The frame in this instance covers the edges of the initials, emblems, or the like, shown in dotted lines and holds them in the recess to prevent displacement thereof. This frame, acting as an insert, is likewise made of thin resilient material of a color naturally contrasting with the color of the frame and is provided with a pair of projections 2lb on opposed sides for insertion in apertures in opposed side walls. bounding the depression to which it is aflixed. In this instance, the letters are placed in the depression and the resilient frame is bent in a position such that the projections are aligned with Vthe apertures into which they are inserted after the frame is released and permitted to assume its original position.

In all of the instances shown in connection with theinsert and its depression, the apertures, being formed in the side walls bounding the depression, 4will not be exposed to the sight nor will the projections which are inserted thereinto. From an appearance standpoint, therefore, no objectionable connections are disclosed to the sight and a very simple and eicient means for holding the insert and letters against displacement is thus provided. The insert as above stated may easily and quickly and without the use of any tool or the like be secured to the buckle: A dealer is permitted to equip himself with a supply of different letters, thus obviating the necessity of carrying a large number of buckles in stock.

While several embodiments of this invention are herein shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and,

- therefore, the same is only to be limited by the scope of the prior art and the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed in a face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for defining openings therethrough to receive a strap, means on said frames for directing relative longitudinal movements thereof, one cross bar on one of said frames having an underlying portion extending over a major portion of the width thereof and secured thereto presenting a strap-engaging face inclined relative to the path of movement of the frames, and one cross bar on the other of said frames having a strap-engaging face cooperating with the inclined face of the first mentioned frame to clamp the strap threaded therebetween in adjusted positions.

2. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed in a face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for defining openings therethrough to receive a strap, means on said frames for directing relative longitudinal movements thereof, one cross bar on one of said frames having an integrally formed underlying portion extending over a mafior portion of the width thereof and presenting a strap-engaging face inclined relative to the path of movement of the frames, and one cross bar on the other of said frames having a strap-engaging face cooperating with the inclined face of the rst mentioned frame to clamp the strap threaded therebetween in adjusted positions.

3. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed in a face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars,

for defining openings therethrough to receive a strap, means on said frames for directing relative longitudinal movements thereof, one cross bar on onev of said frames having an integrally formed underlying portion extending over a major pcrtion of the width thereof and presenting a substantially arcuate line of fold when viewed in cross section, said underlying portion having a strapengaging face inclined relative to the path of movement of the frames, and one cross bar on the other of said frames having a strap-engaging face cooperating with the inclined face of the rst mentioned frame to clamp the strap threaded therebetween in adjusted positions.

4. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed in a face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for defining openings' therethrough to receive a strap, means on said frames for directing relative lonigtudinal movements thereof, one cross bar on one of said frames having a recess in the face thereof for receiving an insert and an integrally formed underlying portion extending over a major portion of said recess and presenting a strap-engaging face inclined relative to the path of movement of the frames, and one cross bar on the other of said frames having a strap engaging face cooperating with the inclined face of the iirst mentioned frame to clamp the strap threaded' therebetween in adjusted positions.

5. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed in a face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames' having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for defining openings therethrough to receive a strap, means on said frames for directing relative longitudinal movements thereof, one

cross bar on one of said frames having an integrally formed underlying portion presenting a strap-engaging face inclined relative to the path of movement of the frames, and one cross bar on the other of said frames having a portion raised above the plane of the frame cooperating with the inclined face of the first mentioned frame to clamp the strap threaded therebetween in adjusted positions.

6. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed in a ace-to-ace substantially parallel relation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for dening openings therethrough to receive a strap, means on said frames for directing relative longitudinal movements thereof, one cross bar on one of said frames having an integrally formed underlying portion presenting a strapiengaging face inclined relative to the path of movement of the frames, and one cross bar on the other of said frames having a portion raised above the plane of the frame cooperating with the inclined face of the first mentioned frame to clamp the strap threaded therebetween in adjusted positions, said raised portion having the face thereof inclined in the direction of inclination of the face of said cooperating cross bar.

7. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed in a face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having side bars and crossbars connecting said side bars for deiining openings therethrough to receive a strap, means on said frames for directing relative longitudinal movements thereof, one cross bar on one of said frames being of arcuate form when viewed in cross section and having an integrally formed underlying portion presenting a substantially fiat strap-engaging `face inclined relative to the path of movement of the frames, and one cross bar on the other of said frames having a strap-engaging face cooperating with the inclined face of the rst mentioned frame to clamp the strap threaded therebetween in adjusted positions. Y

8. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed in a face-to-ace substantially parallel relation, said frames havin@- side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for defining openings therethrough to receive a strap, means on said frames for directing relative longitudinal movements thereof, one cross bar on one of said frames having a recess in the face thereof for receiving an insert and an underlying portion presenting a strap-engaging face, and one cross bar' on the other of said frames having a strap-engaging face cooperating with the strap-engaging face of the cross bar of the rst mentioned frame to clamp the strap threaded therebetween in adjusted positions.

9. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed in a face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for defining openings therethrough to receive a strap, means on said frames for directing relative longitudinal movements thereof, a portion of one cross bar on one of said frames being dem pressed to form a recess on one face side thereof for receiving an insert and a strap-engaging face on the other side thereof, and one cross bar on the other of said frames having a strap-engaging face cooperating with the strap-engaging face of the first mentioned frame to clamp the strap threaded therebetween in adjusted positions.

10. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed in a face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for dening openings therethrough to receive a strap, one of sai-d frames having a ledge extending about the entire periphery thereof in a spaced relation from the face to form channels for receiving the side bars of the other of said frames for confining said last-mentioned frame in said face-to-face relation and for directing rela-tive longitudinal movements thereof, one cross bar of one of said frames cooperating with one cross bar of the other of said frames to clamp the strap threaded through the openings of said frames in adjusted positions.

PAUL W. WHITE. 

